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Presidents Day Hike - Smith Creek Trail to Anna Ruby Falls




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Unicoi State Park   Hike: Presidents Day Hike - Smith Creek Trail to Anna Ruby Falls  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Mon, Feb 19 2018  9:30 am >> Mon, Feb 19 2018 6:30 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Feb 12 2018 7:39 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sun, Feb 18 2018 5:00 pm
Event Duration:9 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Distance:10 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Mike S
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 9 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

The Smith Creek Trail is a beautiful hike that meanders up to Anna Ruby Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in the north Georgia mountains.  From the Smith Creek Trailhead at Unicoi State Park, we will hike 5 miles to Anna Ruby Falls.   Along the way we climb up to Hickory Ridge with the first three miles being uphill. We pass by mountain laurel and small water falls while hiking along Smith Creek.  Then we hike along the ridge with views of the valley, with the sound of Anna Ruby Falls in the background.  We will stop at Anna Ruby Falls for lunch and to view the falls before taking the trail back, for a total of 10 miles.

The pace will be on the faster side of moderate (2.5-3.0 mph), but we will take a break for lunch as well as stop to take photos along the way.

We will have an optional dinner in Dahlonega after the hike. If you do not wish or cannot stay for dinner, you should carpool with likeminded hikers or drive your own vehicle to the event.

Join us for a challenging hike on the Smith Creek Trail at Unicoi State Park.  

This is not a hike for beginners because of the elevation gain of over 1500 feet and we will be hiking at a moderate pace.  There is a $5 parking fee if you do not have a pass.  We will stop at the Lodge to get our parking passes and for a restroom break. Then we head to the trailhead to start the hike.  Please be at the Park and Ride 15 minutes early to sign in and arrange the carpool.

We will allow just 2 dogs.

 

Special thanks to Ralph and Ann Howard and Bill Schmalz for the write up.


Required Items to Bring:

Water or Energy Drinks
Trail Snacks
Lunch
Good Hiking Shoes/Boots

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Camera
Hiking Poles
Sunscreen


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Unicoi State Park
1788 Highway 356
Helen, GA 30545

  • From the Park and Ride, go north on GA-400 N/US-19 N, for 37 miles. 

  • Continue on GA-115N/GA-52 E for 17 miles. 

  • Turn left onto Appalachian Pkwy/Cleveland Bypass, for 1.6 miles. 

  • Turn left onto US-129 N, for 0.3 miles.  

  • Turn right on to Albert Burns Road. 

  • After 2 miles turn left on to John Head Rd.  

  • Turn right onto GA-75 Alt S. 

  • After 6.7 miles Turn right onto GA-17 S/GA-75 S. 

  • After 0.4 miles  Turn left onto GA-356 E.  

  • You will cross Unicoi Lake Dam.

  • Make the first left after you cross the dam, on Unicoi Campground Rd.

  • The parking area for the Smith Creek Trail is .5 miles on your right, across from the Little Brook campground.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):132Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $52.80 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

There is a $5.00 parking fee per car, if you do not already have a Georgia State Park parking pass.  The parking fee can be paid at the


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.